The king cobra is one of the most iconic venomous snakes on the planet. They can reach up to 18 feet in length, making them the longest of all venomous snakes. King cobras are even able to stand up and look a full-grown person in the eye! They are well-known for their iconic hoods which make them look even larger and more intimidating.

King cobras are found mainly in the rainforests and plains of India, China, and Southeast Asia. They feed primarily on other snakes, both venomous and nonvenomous. In fact, their genus name “Ophiophagus” means “snake-eater.” They will also eat lizards, eggs, birds, and small mammals.

Although their venom is not the most potent of all snakes, the amount of neurotoxin they can deliver in a single bite can kill 20 people, or even an elephant!